Örskär

On Örskär, you can experience ancient pine forests, herb-rich meadows, and coastal grasslands. Walk along rocky shores and gaze out over the sea. The plant and animal life is unique, with many threatened species.

Örskär rose from the sea about 1,000 years ago. Early on, farmers from Gräsö used the island as grazing land. There were probably no permanent residents before the lighthouse was built in the 1680s. After the lighthouse was established, the population grew, and during the 19th century about 70 people lived here—lighthouse keepers, pilots, fishing farmers with families, and servants. After a tragic accident in 1877, the island was depopulated. Today, large parts of the island are once again managed through grazing and mowing, just as in the past.

Örskär’s varied landscape of old forests, rocky shores, and herb-rich meadows creates habitats for many species. The flora is rich, with several orchids such as Early Purple Orchid, Marsh Orchids, and Common Twayblade. In the meadows, you may spot the rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly, which has declined sharply in modern agricultural landscapes. One of the most threatened species here is the Pool Frog, which has strong populations on the island. During migration periods, large numbers of waterfowl, birds of prey, and songbirds pass through. White-Tailed Eagles nest regularly and are often seen circling the island.

Örskär has many trails leading to beautiful destinations. The trails are marked with blue and yellow ribbons around the trees. The path between the jetty and the lighthouse is wide and easy to walk. Other trails in the reserve are forest paths of varying difficulty. The sections Jetty–Björskärsskaten and Lighthouse–Maren–Alarängsviken are easy to walk. Between Björskärsskaten and Alarängsviken, you cross rocks that can be very slippery in wet weather. Picnic tables are available at all destinations.

Suggested routes:

• Nature and Culture Trail, 2.5 km
• All destinations: Jetty–Björskärsskaten–Alarängsviken–Svartglo–Maren–Ramsviksåkern–Lighthouse–Bodalsträsket–Jetty, about 8 km
• Alternative without grazing fields: Lighthouse–Ramsviksåkern–Maren and back, about 3 km

Places to visit

Bodalsträsket
On a sunny spring day, listen for the Pool Frog. The males inflate their vocal sacs and produce a croaking sound. You can also hear and see the Pool Frog at Svartglo and at many other small ponds and pools on rocks and in the forest.

The Lighthouse
Experience one of Sweden’s oldest and largest lighthouses. The current lighthouse dates from the 1730s and replaced an older wooden lighthouse that burned down after a lightning strike. The new lighthouse was designed by royal architect Carl Hårleman. It is still in operation and open to visitors at certain times.

Maren
Here you can see what a traditional archipelago homestead looked like in the past. The open land was managed as meadow, which was important because it provided winter fodder for livestock. Stop for a picnic at the beautiful meadow barn with its reed roof and discover the richness of flowers and butterflies.

Alarängsviken
At Alarängsviken, you can experience an open coastal meadow with rich flora. You may see Redshank, Oystercatcher, and other birds searching for insects, and in spring, Pike swim up to spawn along the shore.

Björskärsskaten
Örskär is one of Uppland’s most important stopover sites for migratory birds. If you want to go birdwatching, Björskärsskaten is the perfect spot. Here you can also find your own bathing rock and enjoy the sea view.

Special rules apply within the nature reserve.
You may:
• Bring your dog, but it must be kept on a leash. Remember that dogs can stress grazing animals.
• Camp for a maximum of two nights.
• Moor your boat at the same shore for a maximum of two nights.

You may not:
• Light fires or barbecue.
• Damage or remove living or dead plants, fungi, or lichens.
• Harm or disturb wildlife.

Full regulations are available on the County Administrative Board’s website.

Area: 475 ha, of which 325 ha is land
Protected since: 1969
Landowners: Archipelago Foundation, private
Manager: Upplandsstiftelsen
Authority: County Administrative Board of Uppsala County

The purpose of the reserve is to preserve Örskär’s character as an unexploited archipelago island. Its natural values should be protected, and people should have the opportunity for nature experiences and recreation. Örskär is part of the EU’s Natura 2000 network of protected nature.

More information:
Upplandsstiftelsen, +46 18-611 62 71, www.upplandsstiftelsen.se
Supervisor: Tommy Mattsson, +46 70-398 03 72
Hostel: www.orskarsfyr.se